Navigating Global Markets: A Strategic Advantage

First Quarter 2026 Fund Performance: Exceeding Benchmark Expectations

In the initial quarter of 2026, the International Equity Insights Fund posted a commendable return of 2.20%. This figure represents a significant outperformance of 344 basis points compared to its benchmark, the MSCI EAFE Index, after accounting for all fees. This strong showing builds on a period where the MSCI EAFE Index itself saw considerable gains in the preceding year.

Market Dynamics in Q1 2026: A Challenging Landscape for International Equities

The MSCI EAFE Index experienced a slight decline of -1.24% during the first quarter of 2026. This modest downturn came on the heels of an exceptionally robust performance in 2025, which saw the index surge by 31.22%. Global equity markets outside the U.S. encountered a complex and demanding environment, primarily due to escalating geopolitical tensions across various regions.

Strategic Positioning: Underweighting Software Amidst AI Developments

A crucial element of the fund's success stemmed from its tactical underweighting in specific software companies. This decision was informed by sophisticated economic linkage signals, which indicated potential vulnerabilities for these firms. As the quarter progressed, these software companies indeed faced headwinds, largely due to emerging concerns surrounding the rapid advancements and implications of artificial intelligence.